Adhinathar Jain Temple, Othalavady, Thiruvannamalai
Adhinathar
Jain Temple is located in Othalavady Village in Thiruvannamalai District of
Tamilnadu. It is believed to be 1000 years old. Othalavady is a small village
situated between Arani and Devikapuram in Thiruvannamalai District. Many
scholars and palm-leave writers are living in the holy-place in the olden
times. Jains built a Jinalaya for their worshipping purpose during 12th
century. And it was patronized by the King Othalan in the 13th Century
AD. So the place is called as Othalavady. He praised the Main deity through
poems as “Aniyatha Azhagar” (i.e. he looked more handsome in nirvana
(without dress) state).
The
Temple
The
Jinalaya consists of Garbahgriha, Ardhamandapam, Mahamandapam and Mugamandapam
in the vedi-block. The temple is enclosed by compound walls with an entrance. A
stone plate carving of Shri Adhinathar with Mukkudai and whisky maids is seated
on the vedi-platform. The figure of god and pedestal are in protrude incision,
is unique. All features are etched beautifully on the idol. The sanctum is
crowned by two stages Vimana with Shikara and Kalasha on lotus.
Four
thirthankar brick mortar idols are erected on each direction and one head with
twin bodied statue of lion also seated at the corner. At the bottom stage four
thirthankar idols in sitting posture and single headed and dual-body statue of
bull at the corner. The Arthamandapam pavilion has three platforms. One at
centre comprises the daily ritual metal made idol of Shri Adhinathar and other
seasonal pantheons.
On
either side metal made pantheons of Thirthangars, Navadevatha, Nandheeswara dweep,
Shruthaskandam and important Yaksh & Yakshis and also two stone made 24
thirthankars cluster and Navadevatha are arranged orderly. All are secured
tightly by iron grill-doors. A Mahamandapam is bifurcated in the fore, as
Muhamandapam porch. An inscription is etched at the bottom of the Vimanam.
A
separate shrine for Shri Brahmadevar with twin devis of Shri Poorna and Shri
Pushkala is located in the south-west corner of the Temple and Shri Padmavathy Shrine
is located at the north-west corner of the Temple. At the north-east of open
corridor a shrine for Navadevatha was constructed uniquely. An altar is also
placed in the fore-porch.
Festivals
All
poojas and rituals like, daily Pooja, quarterly conducted Nandheeswara Pooja,
annual ceremonies of Mukkudai, Navaratri and Jain important festivals are
celebrated recurrently.
Contact
Adhinathar
Jain Temple,
Othalavady,
Thiruvannamalai District,
Mobile: +91
9677399024
Connectivity
Othalavady
is located at about 71 Kms from Thindivanam, 19 Kms from Chetpet, 18 Kms from
Arani, 85 Kms from Villupuram, 55 Kms from Thiruvannamalai and 48 Kms from
Vandavasi. Nearest Railway Station is located at Arani Road (26 Kms) and
Nearest Airport is located at Chennai.
References
